Biopolymeric Nanomaterials: Fundamentals and Applications outlines the fundamental design concepts and emerging applications of biopolymeric nanomaterials. The book also provides information on emerging applications of biopolymeric nanomaterials, including in biomedicine, manufacturing and water purification, as well as assessing their physical, chemical and biological properties. This is an important reference source for materials scientists, engineers and biomedical scientists who are seeking to increase their understanding of how polymeric nanomaterials are being used for a range of biomedical and industrial applications. Biopolymeric nanomaterials refer to biocompatible nanomaterials, consisting of biopolymers, such as protein (silk, collagen, gelatin, ß-casein, zein, and albumin), protein-mimicked polypeptides and polysaccharides (chitosan, alginate, pullulan, starch, and heparin). Biopolymeric nanomaterials may be used as i) delivery systems for bioactive compounds in food application, (ii) for delivery of therapeutic molecules (drugs and genes), or for (iii) tissue engineering. Provides information on the design concepts and synthesis of biopolymeric nanomaterials in biomedical and industrial applications Highlights the major properties and processing methods for biopolymeric nanomaterials Assesses the major challenges of producing biopolymeric nanomaterials on an industrial scale

Advances in Nano-fertilizers and Nano-pesticides in Agriculture: A Smart Delivery System for Crop Improvement explores the use of nanotechnology for the controlled delivery of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers that improve the safety of products while also increasing the efficiency of food production and decreased environmental pollution. The development of nanodevices such as smart delivery systems to target specific sites, as well as nanocarriers for chemical controlled release are currently important aspects in novel agriculture and require a strong foundation of understanding, not only the technology, but also the resulting impacts. - Fills key knowledge- gaps of bio-nanotechnology, how they interact with plant cells and their biological consequences - Focuses on agro-nanotechnology which can be utilized for developing healthy seeds - Explores the possibilities of macronutrient nano-based fertilizers

This book summarizes the recent advances in the science and engineering of polymer-gel-based materials in different fields. It also discusses the extensive research developments for the next generation of smart materials. It takes an in-depth look at the current perspectives and market opportunities while pointing to new possibilities and applications. The book addresses important topics such as stimuli responsive polymeric nanoparticles for cancer therapy; polymer gel containing metallic materials; chemotherapeutic applications in oncology; conducting polymer-based gels and their applications in biological sensors; imprinted polymeric gels for pharmaceutical and biomedical purposes; applications of biopolymeric gels in the agricultural sector; application of polymer gels and their nanocomposites in electrochemistry; smart polyelectrolyte gels as a platform for biomedical applications; agro-based polymer gels and their application in purification of industrial water wastes; polymer gel composites for bio-applications. It will be of interest to researchers working in both industry and academia.

Biopolymer-Based Formulations: Biomedical and Food Applications presents the latest advances in the synthesis and characterization of advanced biopolymeric formulations and their state-of-the-art applications across biomedicine and food science. Sections cover the fundamentals, applications, future trends, environmental, ethical and medical considerations, and biopolymeric architectures that are organized in nano, micro and macro scales. The final section of the book focuses on novel applications and recent developments. This book is an essential resource for researchers, scientists and advanced students in biopolymer science, polymer science, polymer chemistry, polymer composites, plastics engineering, biomaterials, materials science, biomedical engineering, and more. It will also be of interest to R&D professionals, scientists and engineers across the plastics, food, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. - Provides in-depth coverage of methods for the characterization of the physical properties of biopolymeric architectures - Supports a range of novel applications, including scaffolds, implant coatings, drug delivery, and nutraceutical encapsulation systems - Includes the use of experimental data and mathematical modeling, thus enabling the reader to analyze and compare the properties of different polymeric gels

This book comprises a collection of chapters on advances in green nanomaterials. The book looks at ways to establish long‐term safe and sustainable forms of nanotechnology through implementation of nanoparticle biosynthesis with minimum impact on the ecosystem. The book looks at synthesis, processing, and applications of metal and metal oxide nanomaterials and also at bio-nanomaterials. The contents of this book will prove useful for researchers and professionals working in the field of nanomaterials and green technology.

The continued advancement in the sciences of functional foods and nutraceuticals has clearly established a strong correlation between consumption of bioactives and improved human health and performance. However, the efficacy and bioavailability of these bioactive ingredients (e.g., omega-3 oils, carotenoid antioxidants, vitamins, and probiotic bacteria) in foods often remains a challenge, due to their instability in food products and gastrointestinal tract, as well as their limited bioavailability. In some cases, these bioactive ingredients may impart an undesirable organoleptic characteristic to the final product, which hinders acceptance by consumers. In addressing these challenges, development of effective delivery systems is critical to meet the consumer needs for effective bioactives. The scientific knowledge behind developing effective delivery of bioactive components into modern and wide-ranging food products will be essential to reap their health-promoting benefits and to support the sustained growth of the functional foods market. Nanotechnology and Functional Foods: Effective Delivery of Bioactive Ingredients explores the current data on all aspects of nanoscale packing, carrying and delivery mechanisms of bioactives ingredients to functional foods. The book presents various delivery systems (including nano-emulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, and polymeric nano-particles), their properties and interactions with other food components, and fate in the human body. Later chapters emphasize the importance of consumers attitude towards nano-delivery for the success of the technology and investigate the challenges faced by regulatory agencies to control risks and harmonize approaches worldwide. The wide applicability of bioactive delivery systems with the purpose of improving food quality, food safety and human health will make this book a worthy reference for a diverse range of readers in industry, research and academia.

Making polymers into nanoparticles as an essential step in polymer solution processing is of key importance for many applications of polymers. This book seeks to uncover the basics and recent advances in polymer nanoparticles, including polymer synthesis, self-assembly, properties, and applications. It encompasses the various preparation methods of polymer nanoparticles, broadly ranged from single chain collapse to polymerization methods and solution self-assembly. It showcases a wide range of advanced applications of polymer nanoparticles in several fields that include pharmaceutics (drug and nucleotide delivery), biomedicals (bioimaging, diagnosis, and therapeutics), energy (batteries and solar cells) and environmental (catalysis and water purification).This book is enriched with a comprehensive range of content, incorporating synthesis, properties and applications in polymeric nanoparticles that will serve as a suitable beginner guide and survey book in polymer nanomaterials, as well as a useful tool for graduate students, scientists and practitioners in related fields or industries such as chemistry, materials science and engineering, nanomaterials, energy storage and conversion devices, and biomedicine.

Biopolymers have the potential to cut carbon emissions and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide released when they degrade can be reabsorbed by plants, which makes them close to carbon neutral. Biopolymers are biodegradable and some are compostable, too. This book presents key topics on biopolymers, including their synthesis, characterization, and physiochemical properties, and discusses their applications in key areas such as biomedicine, agriculture, and environmental engineering. It will serve as an in-depth reference for the biopolymer industry—material suppliers and processors, producers, and fabricators—and engineers and scientists who are designing biopolymers or evaluating options for switching from traditional plastics to biopolymers.

Biopolymer-Based Nano Films: Applications in Food Packaging and Wound Healing covers a variety of biofilms, including active biofilms, nisin-silver nano-films, silk fibroin-based composite films, lignocellulose/cellulose-based biofilms, carboxymethyl cellulose-coated polypropylene, hybrid film-loaded antimicrobials, chitosan hybrid systems, pullulan, and biopolymers films. The applications of these nano-biofilms in different fields, particularly in food packaging, wound healing, and as potential antimicrobials against new, emerging, and multidrug resistant microbes are also discussed. This is an important resource for researchers in the fields of pharmacology, nanotechnology, microbiology, biotechnology, and for clinicians. The possibility of associating nanotechnology with biotechnology helps with the creation of innovative new products and the development of processes at the molecular level. Within this context, nanobiotechnology advances and revolutionizes several scientific fields. In the development of new technologies and products, it is also necessary to develop "platforms" that allow the specific application and delivery of compounds/actives in a controlled, specific and non-toxic way. - Covers a variety of biofilms - Outlines the fundamental properties and major applications of nanostructured biofilms - Associates nanotechnology with biotechnology and how they can help with the creation of innovative new products and the development of processes at the molecular level